Rajvanshi Household

Kyra

I sat at my dresser, hands running through the brownish-black locks as I silently stared at my phone screen for a notification to pop up anytime. One, two, three hours passed since I'd been waiting, and nothing but random SMS from Jio showed up on the locked screen. A sigh escapes my lips as I drop my head in my hands. 'Why is he so busy these days?' Overthinking starts to cloud my mind, my boyfriend's changed behaviour being the reason. I rub my eyes, the dried-up mascara smeering under the eyes making my dark circles more defined.

Stepping into the bathroom, I turn on the water faucet gently removing the day's girth and sweat off my skin. Patting my cheeks dry, I walk into the room, and grab my phone before switching off the lights and dashing swiftly to my bed, snuggling into my comforter making sure my feet are tucked in. No risk with the night monsters, they won't be getting any feet today.

A sudden ting of the notifications alerts me of the message on my screen.

"Hi my love" - from Tanmay

A bright smile makes it up to my lips, my fingers working to type a brief text to him.

Me: where have you been baby? I missed you so much. Have you eaten?

Tanmay: uhh sorry babe. Just work.

Me: ohh I see. Are you tired? Did you eat?

Tanmay: yup. I'm tired so I'll head to bed. Good night Kyra.

I stare at the delivered text as a soft groan makes it past my lips. It's been two days since we talked. And when we did, It was for two minutes. Frustrated, I throw my phone aside and grab my comforter, pulling it on top of my head. My hands reach out for my teddy bear, Mr. Lemon, hugging it tightly. Eventually my eyes close shut as I fall asleep soundly.

Morning

I stir at the loud sound of my bedroom door bursting open. The comfort flies off my body, bright morning light making me squint my orbs. 'What the actual fuck?' I slap my hand around searching for my comfort so I can sleep again only to find it nowhere near me. The sound of snickering and chuckles reaches my ears, provoking me to get up and find its source.

"Kitna soti hai tu? Kumbkaran hai Kya?" I hear a deep voice speaking.

( how much do you sleep? Are you Kumbkaran?)

Recognising its source I roll my eyes groaning loudly as I pick up the cushion next to me throwing it towards him.

"Sone do na bhaiya. Kya chahiye" my horse morning voice making its way out of my lips as I hear another set of chuckles.

(What do you want brother, let me sleep pls)

"Aree bachu uth toh dekh tere liye Kya laya hu" Kanishk's voice came out sweeter than usual, I sit up in curiousity, looking up at his face. A toothy smile adorned his lips, his hair as usual in their messy state. He stood there wearing a pair of sweatpants and a loose T-shirt.

(At least getup and see what I got for you kid)

"Meko itna jaldi kyu uthaya? Sone nhi de sakte kya?" I squint my eyes at him, a soft groan leaving my lips as i cover my face with my hands, softly rubbing my sleepy eyes. Until a feminine chuckle hits the lobe of my ears, confused I look up only to see a delicious sight.

(Why did you wake me up so early? Can't you let me sleep?)

Kaynaaz, standing with a huge tower of cupcakes in her hand, my eyes open wide looking at the purple frosting-covered cakes on the stand. She reaches for the top cupcake, holding it carefully in her hands, before handing the rest to Kanishk. Settling down next to me on the bed, she holds the cake in front of my face.

"Happy Birthday meow." She says her cheeks pulling up as a smile makes it up to her face. As the realisation finally hits, my confused face turns into a smiling one. It's 21st April. I lean closer to take a bite of the cupcake, Flavor of buttercream and vanilla filling my mouth, a moan of delight leaving my throat. Kaynaaz places a soft peck on my cheek, before getting up and feeding the rest of the cake to Kanishk.

"Now di, get up fast and go get ready. Everyone is waiting for you downstairs."

She places a red box on my bedside before waving me bye and leaving my room. I stare at the ribboned box, curious about what it holds. A book? I did want some books from my TBR, what if she got me the da-

My thoughts get interrupted when Bhaiya abruptly falls on the bed next to me, making it bounce. I give him a side eye before jabbing my foot into his stomach, smirking with satisfaction when a groan escapes his lips. He turns his face to me glaring into my eyes.

"Tu soch rahi ki tera birthday hai toh tujhe jaane dunga?" He lifts his eyebrow at me in question.

(You're thinking it's your birthday so I'll let you be?)

"Aapne meko mara na toh I will tell papa, phir dekh lene what he will do to you." He rolls his eyes, sitting up on the bed before bringing his hand up to my forehead and flicking his fingers harshly. A whine leaves my lips, my hands rubbing my forehead softly.

(If you hit me, I will tell Dad, then wait and watch what he will do to you)

"Ofc Papa ki Princess jo hai tu, papa toh Tanmay ko bhi tere pas nhi aane dete." He chuckles softly, his hair waving with his laughter. But it comes to an abrupt stop as soon as he notices the frown pulled down on my face. He holds my face in his hands, squeezing my cheeks before placing a peck on my forehead.

(Ofc, Since you're dad's princess, he doesn't even let Tanmay get close to you)

"Kya hua mere bache ko? Sab thik hai tum dono ke bich me?"

( what happened to my baby? Is everything okay between you both?)

I shake my head softly, his behaviour of the past month replaying in my mind. He missed our anniversary, the book fest at my college, and he didn't even wish me till now. We were going fine, but he's been acting so different these days.

"Nothing bhaiya, he's just busy with work I guess. I miss him a lot." I look up at Kanishk giving him a soft smile, he returns it, patting my head gently. "Ik kyru, he loves you a lot you know that right? He will come to meet you as soon as he's done with his work".

I nod my head and lean in to peck his cheek. "Yes bhai, I know, and I love him even more."

He gives me one last pat on the head before reaching into his pocket for something. He pulls out a red velvety box, making me hold out my hand and place it there. "Happy birthday bacha, stay blessed."

I look up at his smiling face before opening the box. A small rose gold pendant welcomed me sitting inside the interior. It had the initial 'K' along with a cat paw imprinted on a round gold plate. A dimpled smile made it up to my lips, throwing my hands around his neck, I hug Kanishk tightly. Anyone would be blessed to have a brother like him.

"Thank you bhai, I love it so much."

"Ofc you do, now go you pagal aurat get ready or mom will scold everyone." He places a last peck on my head before leaving my room. I lay back on my bed, staring at the pendant. They really do think of me as a cat, I mean why wouldn't they? I love felines. Closing the box I place it on top of the red box Kaynaaz had given me, reminding myself to open it after taking a shower.

(Now go you crazy woman)

After an hour or so of scrubbing, lathering and rinsing my skin, I step out of the bathroom, making my way towards the red box, placing it on the bed, I open it to find a pink kurta sitting inside. Taking it out of the box, I hold it up admiring its beauty. Removing my towel I quickly into my clothes, making my way towards to dresser. The pink colour suited my skin, making the colour of my lips pop up more.

(Kyra's Outfit)

Hearing the sudden uproar downstairs, I fasten my pace, applying some make-up, and combing my hair before stepping out of the room.

"Where is Ky Didiiii? I want to show her the gift I got for her." Rooh's sweet voice makes it to my ears, making me chuckle softly.

"Mere birthday ke liye Tu itni excited nhi hoti." Kaynaaz looks at Rooh with questioning eyes before they start to blabber again.

(You don't get this excited for my birthday)

I make my way to the last step before a hand pulls me close hugging my body. Surprised, I look up to find Ishaan showing me a gummy smile. A giggle escapes my lips before I cling onto him tightly returning the hug. It's been a while since I saw him, the Khuranas always had a busy schedule.

"Happy birthday Kyu." He pulls out an Oreo silk from his pocket and hands it to me.

Wiggling with happiness I take it from him pecking his cheek soft, he knows all my favorites. Moving out of his grasp, I walk up to Rooh and Kaynaaz, still blabbering about birthday gifts. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I whisper a 'Boo' into Rooh's ear, which makes her jump and let out a soft scream. Kaynaaz bursts into giggles as I bite my lip to hold back my laughter.

"Ky Didiii, why do you hate me so much" Rooh whines softly. I pull up next to her hugging her body softly before placing a kiss on her head. "I don't hate you pagal, it's just, tere muh ka expression when you're scared is priceless."

(I don't hate you stupid, it's just the expression on your face when you're scared is priceless)

She rolls her eyes before hugging me back gently. "Dekho did Aapka birthday hai iss liye mai aapko marugi nhi. Happy Birthday Ky Didii I love you so much, I love you more than kaynaaz". She says with excitement, making sure to say the last part in a whisper even though that isn't the truth. Kay, Rooh and Inaya have been friends since childhood, they love each other more than anything.

(See since it's your birthday, I won't hit you. Happy birthday Ky)

Patting her head gently, I make my way to the kitchen, finding my mom and grandmother cooking breakfast for everyone. That's the birthday tradition, no servants on birthdays, mom and dadi make the food by their own hands. Mumma and Dadi give me a tight hug, wishing me a happy birthday. We place everything at the table, calling everyone to have breakfast.

The rest of the day goes by fast, everyone gifting me things of my liking, taking pictures and making jokes. I got several calls from my college friends and the Khan family who couldn't make it home today because of some work. Before we knew, it was past 6:30 pm, the sky had started to change colours. Throughout the day my eyes had been making their way to my phone screen, waiting for his call. But not even a message came from Tanmay. Was he that busy?

Soon, Kanishk brought out a big cake placing it on the table, it was heart shaped with purple butterflies, he took out a lighter to light the candles but I stopped him.

"I'm not cutting the cake until Tanmay is here." I cross my arms and sit back in my chair as a pout makes it up to my lips. Call me childish, but I love this man, and I want him here when I'm cutting my cake at least. A spark of concern flashes through Kaynaaz's eyes but ignore it. I'm not going to cut this cake until he's here.

"Kyra bacha woh Badme aajaega." Kanishk speaks in a soft voice looking at me.

( Kyra baby, he will come later)

"Bhai mene bol diya na, I want Tanmay." I hold up my hand before he speaks any further.

(Brother I told you no. I want Tanmay)

"Ky, don't be stupid, we don't know when he'll show up, will you not cut your cake?" Ishaan pats my head softly before handing me the knife. "Come on baby, it's your birthday. If he wanted to come he would've."

I shake my head, placing the knife on the table.

" I said I want Tan-"

"You're asking for him like he's a piece of candy Kyra." A deep dominant voice cut off my sentence, I turn my head to see the source of the voice, only to find him standing there.

Shivyansh Khurana, Ishaan's elder brother and possibly Duniya ka sab se baada chu- nvm. I roll my eyes at his presence, eyeing his outfit, black button-up shirt with rolled-up sleeves, light denim jeans, and sunglasses. Wait... SUN GLASSES? IT'S 6:30 PM.

(And possibly the world's biggest fuc- nvm.)

"You don't have a say in this, he's my boyfriend." I turn my back to him and cross my hands again. He walks closer to all of us before bending down touching Dadi's feet and pecking Mumma's cheek. Again my orbs do a roundabout, everyone adores him, bhai, mumma, papa, kaynaaz, but kisi ko nhi pata he's an ASSHOLE.

"Look at you crying like a baby over a boy. Kyra, you're turning 23" he takes off his sunglasses placing them on the table and walks to Kanishk whispering something to him.

"You don't have to be mean about it, I'm just asking for my boyfriend." My voice comes out higher than expected, with a sudden offensive in it.

"Sensitive." He lets it out in a low tone but it reaches my eyes. Tears swell up in my eyes, I hated being called that. He does not get to come here and ruin my birthday like this, who does he think he is? I hate this guy so much.

I push away from the table, get up from my chair and run away outside. I hear the voices of Kaynaaz and Bhai calling me back but I don't give heed. Swinging the garden's door open, I place myself down on the benches there. Is that how you treat a birthday girl? What goes on in his mind? Pagal insaan hai Kya? (Is he a crazy man?)

I sniff softly before whipping off the tears flowing down my cheeks. A few minutes later, there's a soft knock on the glass door of the garden, looking up I see Ishaan standing there, his hands in his pocket.

"Ro kyu rahi hai pagal bachi, Tereko pata hai bhaiya aese hi hai." He moves closer and brings his hand to my cheek wiping off the tears. Cupping my face, he squeezes my cheek before placing a peck on my forehead.

(Why are you crying, you stupid kid? You know brother is like that only)

"No more caring, Aur ab chal, someone is waiting for you inside." Hearing his words, I look up at him tilting my head in question. Could it be Tanmay? As if hearing my thoughts, Ishaan nods his head with a smile. Jumping up from excitement, I sprint inside the house, only to see him standing and having a conversation with Mom. I giggle softly and jump on his back, startling him a bit. When he realises it's me, he chuckles softly and holds my arm, bringing me to face him.

"Happy Birthday Meri Jaan" he picks me up in his arms pecking my lips softly before hugging me. "Thank you, I missed you so much" I let out in a soft voice, snuggling against his shoulder as a soft smile adorns my face.

I open my eyes to see Ishaan and Shivyansh staring at us, I hold up a middle finger flipping off Shivyansh, see that? My boyfriend is here. Ishaan bites his lower lip to hold in a snicker and I could see his brother rolling his eyes.

"Aunty, if I have your permission, I would like to Kyra out for some time." I turn my attention back to the conversation being held between the two.

"Out where?" I look at him with curious eyes. He just shakes his head and pecks my nose. "What's the point of a surprise if I reveal it to you?" He looks up to Mom again seeking her permission. She gives him a soft nod and places a hand on his head.

"Bring her back by 11 so we can cut the cake together." He places me back on the ground and nods, reaching down to touch her feet. "Don't worry Aunty, she'll be home safe and sound". He catches his hand in mine before dragging me to the front door. I turn back to wave everyone goodbye before heading out with him.

Kaynaaz

The day had been something, lord knows what could've happened if Tanmay hadn't shown up. I don't know many things but I am sure about Di's love for Tanmay, she loves him more than her own life. But this nature of hers will get her hurt deeply one day.

Cleaning up the dinner table, I throw away the tissues before settling on the couch between Rooh and Shiv on the couch, Kyra had been gone for about 3 hours, once she left we all decided to watch a horror movie. I place my legs on Shiv's thighs, leaning against Rooh. The wiggling of my leg him look up at me with a 'Are you serious' look.

"Please daba do, bohot dard ho raha." I look at him with puppy eyes which makes him roll his own.

(Please massage them, it's hurting so much)

"Durr rehe chudail." He says in a sarcastic tone, which makes me jab my foot into his stomach before blinking my eyes cutely. He eventually gives in and massages my legs softly.

(Stay away you witch)

Kanishk turns off the lights and everyone settles down to watch the movie. Fifteen minutes into the movie, everyone is indulged in the TV, the girl on screen opens the door of her house only to find no one standing there, but as soon as she turns around-

"MUMMY BACHAO BHOOT" Rooh jumps up from her seat, making me fall flat on in couch, everyone giggles at her behavior and I pull her down next to me, hugging her body.

(MOM SAVE ME, GHOST)

A sudden bell at the door makes her jump up again. Everyone looks at each other with startled eyes, I turn on my phone to see the time, it is only 10:20 pm, Kyra isn't going to come till 11 pm, and everyone else is home, who else could it be? I look at Kanishk and nod my head towards the door telling him to check who the guest is. Rooh next to me starts to chant the hanumana chalisa as if it's a ghost at the door.

Kanishk moves out of the movie room, walking through the hallway towards the door. But before anything else, a scream pierces through the air, and Kanishk comes running into the room, hiding behind the couch.

"Bhaiya, kya hua? Aapko sachi me bhoot yoot dikh gaya kya?" I chuckle softly as Rooh slaps my shoulder.

(Brother what happened? Did you see a ghost for real?)

But the nod of his head surprises me, "Abey that's because, Sachi me gate pe bhoot hai." I look at him with questioning eyes, the movie that was playing in front of us stopped, paused by Shivyansh.

(Exactly, that's what, there's is actually a ghost at the door)

"K-Kay, t-teko woh sun raha? Footsteps?" Rooh whispers next to me, Listening closely, I nod my head taking in the sound of footsteps outside the movie room. The sound gets louder as they approach the room. The door creaks open, revealing a dark figure, its features hidden by the darkness of the room. Rooh starts to shake next to me, whatever figure was standing there reaches to turn on the lights of the room.

(K-Kay, C-Can you hear that? Footsteps)

The next sight makes all of us scream as if a Bhootni had shown up in front of us. Kyra standing there with her black long hair messed like a nest, mascara stained her cheeks and under eyes, her eyes bright red.

A sigh escapes Shiv's lips as he mumbles "Mujhe laga ki aaj toh mai gaya." I hit the back of his head before looking back at my sister.

(I thought, today I was done for)

She scans the room before looking at the TV screen, turning her eyes back to us. Everyone's scared faces change to a questioning one, looking at her state.

She turns around, moving out of the room, her pink dupatta dragging behind her. I quickly get up from my seat, accidentally stepping on Shiv's feet making him wince softly. Running after her, I catch onto Kyra's wrist, which makes her wince.

"Di kya hua? Sab thik hai?" She just nods her head, mumbling a soft 'I'm fine' again moving towards the stairs. My eyes look at her retreating figure with concern, searching around, I find her birthday cake still sitting in its place.

(Di what happened? Is everything okay?)

"Di I don't know kya hua hai, but ab toh aap Tanmay se bhi mil li ho, toh cake cut karle?" It seemed dumb to think about cake, but I had to find a reason for her to speak of what happened.

(Di I don't know what happened, but now you've even met Tanmay, so can we cut the cake?)

"I won't be cutting any cake." Her voice came out in a weak whisper. I could feel the eyes of everyone on my back, watching us silently.

"Why meow? It's your birthday."

Her body trembles slightly, her voice cracking as she speaks. "Because. We broke up."

बेखयाली में भी

तेरा ही ख्याल आये

क्यूँ बिछड़ना है ज़रूरी

ये सवाल आये

तेरी नजदीकियों की

ख़ुशी बेहिसाब थी

हिस्से में फासले भी

तेरे बेमिसाल आये